Public Relations

Meinders Community Library Board Policy

106

Policy: Public Relations

Originally Adopted

Next Review

Current Version Adopted

May 7, 2019

May 2020

Purpose: To foster a positive public image for the Library to community, governing officials, civic leaders and others via sound practice of the Library Staff and the Library Board in all public discourse, as well as to inform the public on the Library’s goals, services, programs and resources and engage in advocacy for libraries in general and Meinders Community Library specifically.

Section 1: Advocacy

Under direction of the Library Board, the Library Director and the Board shall engage in organizations and activities that promote advocacy of and for libraries, education, literacy and community at the local, regional, state and national level.

Section 2: Public Relations

The following guidelines shall be followed by the Director, the Board and Library Staff to ensure that the public receives consistent and accurate information regarding Library policies, procedures, operations, services, programs and resources so as to maximize support and use of the Library.

Marketing: the Director shall coordinate and approve all written and/or printed copy that is shared with the public or media, including but not limited to press releases, newsletters, flyers, bookmarks, posters, or other promotional items. The Director shall ensure that copyright standards are being upheld.

Local and Social Media: Staff may engage in verbal or written communication with local media as approved by the Director with the purpose of promoting library activities, events, or services. Such communications include the newspaper, radio station, facebook or website. Any articles written by Staff and published on the Library website, blog or in print must be approved by the Director.

Speaking Engagements: Requests for Staff speaking engagements will be coordinated and approved by the Director.

Emergency Situations: the Director is responsible for all official statements to the media and public. In the Director’s absence, a designee shall be charged with speaking on the Library’s behalf. The Director or designee will inform the Board President and/or other Board Members as appropriate and in advance of such statements, as time allows.